Alex Reynolds

Felon Re-Enfranchisement: Balancing the Needs of Strong Law Enforcement and Fair Justice Systems

Too often, political issues are depicted as a choice between two extremes. If you support criminal justice reform, you’re soft on crime. If you support strong law enforcement, you’re a proponent of mass incarceration. The disenfranchisement of former felons’ voting rights has long been stuck in this frustrating type of political conflict. I’ve written onContinue reading “Felon Re-Enfranchisement: Balancing the Needs of Strong Law Enforcement and Fair Justice Systems“

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission: Corporations and Fundamental Political Speech

The Louisville Political Review looks at monumental court cases that have defined the political sphere. Today we examine Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and its societal impact on civil liberties. The Supreme Court of the United States is an often misunderstood institution of our government. Their contentious decisions tend to be even more misunderstoodContinue reading “Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission: Corporations and Fundamental Political Speech”

From Cotton to Congress: The Remarkable Rise and Careers of the First Black Congressmen

As a congressional intern with a passion for U.S. history and virtually unrestricted access to the entirety of the U.S. Capitol Building, I took every chance I could get to leave my office and explore. Unfortunate circumstances, both COVID-19 and the January 6th riot, left the great halls of Congress closed off to the publicContinue reading “From Cotton to Congress: The Remarkable Rise and Careers of the First Black Congressmen”

Take a Chance on Betting in the Bluegrass State

The Kentucky Derby is known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. The mint juleps, derby hats, firework shows, and of course the main race itself all contribute to this excitement, but the real thrill for many is found in betting on the race. Horse racing and the wagers placed on it not onlyContinue reading “Take a Chance on Betting in the Bluegrass State”

McConnell’s Long Game and the Fight for the Supreme Court

“Winners make policy and losers go home,” declares Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in his memoir, The Long Game. This quote gives insight into the formulation of McConnell’s political strategy focused on advancing the conservative agenda. The strategy entails making strong decisions – even when unpopular – to benefit election outcomes and the futureContinue reading “McConnell’s Long Game and the Fight for the Supreme Court”

To Build a Fair Justice System, End Monetary Bail

In the United States, one of our most sacred legal principles is being “innocent until proven guilty.” This principle establishes a system of fairness and rights for the accused; making it so that the accused do not bear the burden of proving their innocence. This asserts that it is better for society and the justiceContinue reading “To Build a Fair Justice System, End Monetary Bail”

The Bridge to Better Infrastructure

Over 2.2 million people across the three states of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio are encompassed in what is known as “Greater Cincinnati.” This surrounding tri-state area not only shares close proximity to Cincinnati, Ohio, but also a robust economy, rich culture, and love of Cincinnati sports and chili. I was born and raised in NorthernContinue reading “The Bridge to Better Infrastructure”